The DOP provides that Israel will retain responsibility during the transitional period for external security[?] and for internal security[?] and public order of Israeli settlements and citizens. Direct negotiations to determine the permanent status of Gaza and West Bank had begun in September 1999 after a three-year hiatus, but have been derailed by the al-Aqsa Intifadah that broke out in September 2000. The resulting widespread violence in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, Israel's military response, and instability within the Palestinian Authority continue to undermine progress toward a permanent agreement.

One of the iconic images of this uprising dates from September 30, 2000, when a terrified twelve-year-old boy, Muhammad a-Dura[?] was killed at the Netzarim[?] Junction, clutching his father to avoid being caught in the crossfire between Israelis and Palestinians. His death was captured by television crews filming the scene and broadcast around the world.